Definition

A pile of stones that is built to mark a place or to remember someone.

Example

We found a cairn on the hiking trail that marked the way to the summit.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a cairn in the mountains?

Yeah, I came across one during my hike last summer.

They always seem so interesting, like little landmarks.

Definitely! They make the trails feel more special.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Cairn → The word 'cairn' originates from Scottish Gaelic 'càrn', meaning a heap of stones. It refers to a human-made pile or stack of stones, often used as a trail marker or memorial.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'heap of stones' ('càrn') that marks a trail or memorial — that's what a cairn is.

Visually Confused Words